Nichols tackles new coaching challenge

Thursday

Feb 21, 2013 at 4:35 PMFeb 21, 2013 at 4:37 PM

Former defensive coordinator takes over KHS football program

Just weeks away from making his debut as head baseball coach at Kewanee High School, Tyler Nichols has added another title to his coaching business card.Nichols received unanimous approval from Kewanee's board of education Tuesday night to take over as head coach of the Boiler football program."I'm really excited," said Nichols. "Becoming a head football coach, along with teaching, has always been one of my goals. This is a great opportunity and I can't think of a better place for it than Kewanee High School."Nichols replaces Chris Waca, who resigned after four seasons. Waca compiled a record of 10-27 at KHS and led the Boilers to their first playoff appearance in more than a decade in 2011.Nichols has nine years of coaching football under his belt, including the last four as defensive coordinator at KHS. He served as a volunteer assistant at Macomb High School, his alma mater, in the 2004 season and was the head JV coach at South Fulton for the 2005-2008 seasons. He teaches physical education at KHS.As head coach, Nichols said he'll turn his attention to the offensive side of the ball. While the formations will look familiar to KHS fans, he plans to put more on the shoulders of his signal caller."I want a lot more emphasis on the quarterback," said Nichols. "I'm going to ask the quarterback to use his head to make plays for us and take what the defense gives."With four years in the Kewanee program, the transition to the top job will be seamless for Nichols."I have a pretty good feel for the kids," said Nichols. "There are not going to be any questions about what's expected of them."The new coach inherits some two-way talent from a team that struggled through a 1-8 campaign in the Three Rivers Conference last season. Nichols tabbed his leaders as returning quarterback David Washburn and two-way starters Jared Nimrick, Dalton Nuding, Donovan Murphy and Ryan Hicks."We have some skilled kids returning and we have more size coming back than most people think," said Nichols."We took a little step back last year," he added, "but we're just looking for some kids that want to win in football and work hard."Nichols said he hopes to start interviews shortly to fill his coaching staff, and all positions are open.